How to Avoid Getting Stung by Jellyfish

If you have already been stung by a jellyfish, you’ll need to treat the sting immediately. However, you can successfully avoid most jellyfish stings by being informed about the risks and taking precautions on shore and in the water. If you follow the right steps, then there’s no need to have these interesting creatures ruin your day at the beach.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Safe Beach Areas

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Avoid areas populated by jellyfish. If at all possible, do not swim or spend time on the shore in areas known to be frequented by jellyfish. Choosing a lower-risk area is the easiest way to reduce your chances of being stung by a jellyfish.
- You can ask lifeguards, beach officials, or local residents if you are unsure whether or not jellyfish are a danger in a given area.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}^{[2]XResearch source} Learn what kinds, if any, are common, and how to treat stings.
Jellyfish may range near shore when there are strong winds.^{[3]XResearch source} They can also appear in large numbers (known as a jellyfish blooms), so avoid the water when these occur.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} If you see a sign warning of jellyfish, it means that they have been spotted by officials. In areas were jellyfish are known to be a common threat, you may see permanent signs. Swim with caution in these areas, if at all.
At many beaches, officials will fly purple flags during times that jellyfish or other dangerous marine animals are present.^{[6]XResearch source} If you see these flags flying, this is a signal to stay out of the water to avoid getting stung.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Wearing Protective Gear

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^{[7]XResearch source}^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} Jellyfish and stray jellyfish tentacles can be very hard to see, and can remain venomous for a long time, even when washed ashore. By wearing rubber-soled shoes when you walk on the beach, you will avoid accidentally stepping on them with your bare skin and getting stung.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
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Wear protective lotions. Some evidence shows that protective lotions such as Safe Sea may protect against jellyfish stings. Applying one of these lotions before you go in the water can be a good additional precaution.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Look for protective lotions at pharmacies, and shops that sell diving and beach gear.
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Wear a wetsuit.^{[11]XResearch source} If you will be spending a lot of time in the water, or in deep waters, consider wearing more extensive coverage.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} The thick material of a wetsuit, and the fact that it will cover a large amount of your skin, makes it an effective deterrent to jellyfish stings.^{[13]XResearch source}^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Clothing coated in petroleum jelly or similar substances is not a reliable protection against jellyfish stings.
- Some stores that sell diving equipment also carry special “stinger suits” that you can wear to prevent being stung by a jellyfish.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Even if you wear a wetsuit, you should still practice caution and avoid jellyfish, as stings through wetsuits have been reported.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communitiesGo to source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Staying Safe on Shore and in the Water

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Do not touch jellyfish that have washed ashore. Even if the jellyfish is dead, its poisonous cells can still cause a sting. Some varieties have very long tentacles (such as the Portuguese Man-of-War, that has tentacles up to fifty feet long), so it is best to stay far away from jellyfish.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- There are many different kinds and forms of jellyfish, and when they are washed ashore they may look like plastic bags or other debris. If you are not sure whether or not something is a jellyfish, it is best not to touch it at all.
- Tell a lifeguard or other beach authority when you spot a jellyfish on the shore, so that it can be safely removed by someone trained to handle the creature.
^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} Lifeguards are trained to help beachgoers in a variety of situations, including jellyfish attacks. They will also be able to alert you when jellyfish are spotted.
If you shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water, you may disturb and drive away some jellyfish or other creatures that have the potential to sting you.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}^{[20]XResearch source}
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Leave the water immediately if you see or suspect a jellyfish. Often, you can see jellyfish in the water. They may look like a plastic bag or balloon floating at the surface of the water, and may come in groups.^{[21]XResearch source} If you see a jellyfish in the water, calmly but quickly return to shore to avoid stings.
- Tell a lifeguard or other beach authority when you spot a jellyfish in the water, so that a warning can be issued.

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Tips

Be prepared. Bring first aid supplies you might need in case of a sting (vinegar, a bottle or cup to pour warm salt water on the wound, tweezers to remove stray tentacles, antihistamine cream, over-the-counter pain relievers, and epinephrine if you are aware of allergic reactions to jellyfish stings).^{[22]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
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